You've got to get to one of the lookouts when you're in town (Rockefeller, Empire State, or the Freedom Tower). this was one of them...
Better interactive displays going through here than Rockefeller, but still expect to wait for a long time between entrance and the views.
I have been up twice at night now and the view is stunning. It's very windy but amazing. A must see if you go to nyc
LONG lines. And one line after another. A line to get inside. A line to go up the elevator. A line to buy your tickets. Another line to go up another elevator. A line to go down the elevator when your leaving. Don't let a short, fast line outside fool you. Then the AC was on full blast inside the building but it couldn't keep up with all the body heat so it was just as hot inside as it was outside.. The view was amazing and it was neat once you were finally on the 86th floor. The view finder things were free which my children really enjoyed.
It's an icon - of course you have to go up to the observation deck! The wait for tickets and the elevator were't too bad when we were there. It's a great view in all directions, but be prepared for high winds.
Railings are stupid, why would you want something so pathetic stopping you from seeing the sights man? I mean, whoever invented the railing was a freaking moron... did he just not trust people to not fling themselves over the side? Good sir, I am a rank 500 master prestige on COD, and I can handle myself, so please do me a favor and uninstall railings on the Empire State Buildings
1/5 for railings
It was a great experience. I recommend doing it late at night because there is less people. I do not recommend paying the extra $20 to go to the highest level it is enclosed and not alot of room to move around, you get a better view from the outside viewing level.
It was very informative..just too many ppl but the staff was good about making get in and out
Spectacular views of New York City! We bought the fast pass which supposedly saves you an hour in line and gives you access to the museum and a virtual reality tour. Both of which was not worth any money. Go there for the main attraction... The 86th floor. We waited a total of about 2 hours in line. I would suggest buying for tickets online and going early in the morning so you don't have to wait as long as we had to.
Had a great experience. Efficient and not as busy at the top as much as I thought it would be. I'd recommend going around twilight or a little before so you can have some variety in your pictures.
We went up at night so that we could see the city all lit up. It was beautiful! The staff do a good job of getting you up and back down quickly and efficiently.
The only point lost is for the price of admission and over-staffing. A key attraction for NYC with different experiences to be enjoyed depending on the time of day, the weather and crowds. Last time I visited, got there at opening time and there was no waiting.
Much better than I remembered on my last visit. Went to the top just before sunset.. The top viewing floor is closed for "fit out".
Its a beautiful building but the cost of going up is insane. I was there around 20 years ago and you could see the actual lobby and it was alot cheaper. Now its a stupid area and you pay 40 to go up. Not worth the price.
Would recommend it because the view is outstanding. People selling product outside that we don't need was an issue but I guess it comes with visiting the Big Apple.
There are 2 levels Observation at 86th floor and Top deck 102nd floor. Top deck visitation is pricier.
Been there on different times a wonderfull sky view of Manhathan; on the better wheather time, more patience required, but will be a better experience
Best bagels in the city. Owner heard one person can t do cream cheese so he gave me the butter on the house !!!
Wonderfull place!!! I tooked the regular tour and its amazing. Tottaly recommended
Unforgettable Views From Manhattan.
Breathtaking Experience
We were lucky and there was no line. Beautiful view, not too expensive.
Go to 102nd floor..worth it! Still the best views of NYC..try and go near sunset time.. beautiful views
It was too expensive. Good for touristy type things, but not for me
Great observance....years of history in an enormous building
Amazing view at night! Would have been cool to go during the day too but it was a lot less crowded after 10:30 (when we went)! The lights of the city make for an amazing view!
A little pricey to go up to the 102nd floor ($92 for two people) but was well worth it! Absolutely incredible!
Unbelievable how great this place is was our favourite place we visited in manhattan for sure, highly recommended
Cool experience! It was a bit more expensive than I thought it would be but the views were amazing. Was $35 for basic ticket at time of review.
Did this at night after Christmas and had to queue for ages to get in. Worth the wait. Fab views of New York City all lit up at night.
One liner review: Do not go between 11 AM - 9 PM. Their suggested time to visit is 8-10 AM and after 10 PM. During peak hours, the only thing you will see is people. It was just toooooo crowded.
There are many passages until you get to the last elevator. As you walk, you will find many installations that show the history of the building and the pop culture references were enjoyable. We had visited the Top of the Rock before, and definitely there were more things to see at ESB.
We didn t upgrade our tickets to the 102nd floor. The 86th floor deck was just ok. Too many fences will hinder your picture quality. And again, too many people. If you re coming here for great pictures, you should definitely avoid those peak hours I mentioned. If you re just here to enjoy the view, then it could be a good experience but I still doubt it.
I took off two stars because of one simple reason. There are just way too many people around you and the experience is not pleasant. It does have its vast history, but the observatory deck is not even that high up. It is only 86th floor high or you pay another $33 to upgrade to the 102nd floor which will make the ticket cost around $80 per person in total. Just way too expensive. Other countries that have the observatories have their decks on much higher floors - such as Korea s Lotte tower offers 468 meters above ground (118th to 123rd floors) or Tokyo Skytree 350 meters or upgraded 450 meters above ground decks. ESB s metrics are 320 meters for the 86th floor and only 381 meters for the 102nd floor.
Tip: Due to so many crowds, inside temperature is pretty high and you will be sweating if you have many layers. You do not need thick jackets until you get out on the 86th floor deck. During my visit, there was an issue at the security area and everyone had to wait about 15mins. People were sweating in front of us and back and the experience was not pleasant.
Good views, but it was a bit cloudy. I think the views would have been much better with clear blue skies. However was still good. They have plenty of ticket types, night day, am/pm etc. Price is expensive, best thing to do is look for combined deals. Some staff were very rude in the manner they were addressing people, however I think that just might be the way NYer's address people. This was witnessed on a number of occasions as well as front line experience. Did stick with us for the remainder of the trip.
Amazingly beautiful and it will take your breath away. You can enjoy the truly magnificent view of the New York Skyline. Try both day and night, foggy and clear, rainy and blue sky. They will all just give different yet fantastic experiences.
Much improved since my last visit. I love the 86th floor observatory because you have unfettered views while being outdoors.
Nice to say I've been there, but just like everything in NYC... way overpriced.
Such amazing history and story to be told about turn of the 20th century skyscrapers! The Empire State Building does a fascinating job of telling the story of construction and the films in the elevators are an extra added bonus feature we weren't expecting! The views are awesome too!
Great view worth going for sure.
Be prepared to spend at least an hour to finally get to 86th floor.
We went when it was just getting dark so you could see all the lights and skyscrapers twinkling.
Open till about 2 am, not sure when is the quietest time to go.
The employees of the Empire State Building are very caring polite folks. They made the whole experience wonderful
Fun views from the top. Definitely get your tickets online prior to your visit to avoid long lines. If you do, it is a very quick ride up the elevator. Staff was very friendly and helpful.
Magnificent view of Manhattan. During my visit it was extremely crowded.
Amazing building with great views. Don't bother with the 102nd floor though. Very restricted views. Better off at Top of the Rock.
It is quite pricey - almost $200 for 4 people, but the views are amazing. Apart from the views, nothing more to recommend. You need to pay extra to go near the top.
Love this masterpiece!
Sunset was gorgeous! Admission is bit pricey but well worth it.
Just don t get tickets from the people out the front. They rip you off
Fantastic customer service! There were so many employees working on the day we went (6/17/18) that went above and beyond to make it such a memorable, enjoyable experience. Really enjoyed the views , liked that there are n,s,e,w directions etched in the glass in the observatory on the 102 floor . P.S. TERRIFIED of heights but never felt scared. Felt Very safe/secure .
It is all about the experience. Specially if you are afraid of heights like me.
Seeing Ny from up above was very cool and awesome. The line was long but it didn't bother me. The price to go to the top was around 32 dollars, not sure if they changed it for 2016. Don't rush, take your time and enjoy the view.
Place is definitely touristy; don't think it's worth the $40 for observatory view.
Bought tickets on line and printed at home. Got there at 830 PM tonight (Friday before mother's day) and there was virtually no line so it took us minutes to reach the 86th floor. Security, employees were all so nice. Did not encounter one rude employee. The views are beautiful at night. Aside from the wind, everything was awesome.
Been here and the views of NYC were stunning during the day. This visit, I visited at night and was not disappointed. NYC was brilliant lit up at night. You will not be disappointed.
The tour was absolutely amazing, so much fun and so beautiful up there.
It's one of the tallest building in the World and gives an excellent view of the New York city from 86th floor and 102nd floor.
You can spend good amount of time while having a view of the city from all directions. And some binoculars are placed in the view points which can be accessed to view distant locations some of which are mentioned in the equipment itself...
Beautiful to see. Night time was wonderful and not as crowded.
Always a great experience. Pictures come out great from that height. Lucky it was not crowded
Great place. Spectacular experience. A must see in New York!
I love this great majestic building I love to look at it from anywhere I am in the city such pretty lights of all colors & ocassions what's not to like about the empire state building one of new York's first skyscrapers and the most famous even king Kong visited here people from all over the world come here its a fun exciting place to visit
Amazing lobby, which is open to the public, with incredible marble and stainless steel.
The view is great to take your friends and family as well as our loved ones
It is truly an experience of a lifetime. Make sure you go to the top floor, it's 369 of amazing.
I visited this place in 1998 and now again in 2019. Somewhere in between the visitors areas got renovated and everything looks modern and new even though the building itself is close to 90 years old. Having an open air observation deck is a great feature and very cool. One Trade Center observation deck has maybe even better views, but there is no open deck. There was no lineup to wait for the elevators up and only a small line to wait to go down. Rockefeller center was way more busy with scheduled waits of 2 hours. Staff was helpful and courteous.
Enjoyed myself here. Avoided it for years, but took the kids up and liked it. Worth going VIP, but pricey. 102nd floor was great.
Ah the Empire State Building. As far as bucket list items go, this one is great: its views won't disappoint. However, beware: the lines in this place are ABSURD. To be clear, February (after Valentine's) until end of April is the "slow season", with the "busy season" being between Thanksgiving and Valentine's Day.
This is important, and here's why: I went during the busy season and waited 3 hours to get to the top. No, this isn't an exaggeration, and even with the "skip the line" pass, you WILL, I repeat *WILL* wait. There are multiple lines inside, specifically for the elevator.
I just went three days ago (March 8th) with my boyfriend and there was not a single line to be found. No waiting (other than for the elevator to go up or down) and no crowds to push through to get a picture.... I will never go again unless it's this time of year.
That being said, it is not cheap. If you ARE going during a busy time, do yourself a favor and buy the 102nd floor pass. I say that because, while you will wait longer to get there, they control the number of people who are there much more strictly, and this means better pictures with a marginally better view.
And yeah, it's expensive. I suppose there's no better welcome to NYC though! ^_^
Great view of the city. Excellent way to take it all in. Didn't do the Top of Rock so I can't compare.
What a view. And more info packed in than just looking out a high window.
Great views but was really busy and struggle to walk round to see them so would recommend trying to find a quiter time but was quick queues.
timeless beauty, brings back many wonderful memories.
Awesome views of New York. Quite pricey and i recommend spending no further than just going to the viewdeck.
38 bucks per person to ride the elevators, hurded through the building en mass, great-amazing views of the city. The staff is professional and helpful, great uniforms
It's marvelous, it's an experience you have to meake
Amazing experience at ZS offices for Negotiation Workshop... Offices located in the Empire State Building... Priceless views
Watching the sunrise from the top of the Empire State Building was an amazing way to close my trip to New York. The view is spectacular, to see how "the city that never sleeps" starts to wake up and starts the day was just incredible.
When you arrive at the entrance, it's all dark outside, you take the lift up, walk out and still see most of the buildings with lights on and the sky starts to lighten up. After 10 minutes or so, the most amazing thing started. The sun starts to come up and the colours that wake New York up start to bring the city to life.
If you're in New York city, this is a must tour to do.
We went at 1AM. It's the best time to go. No crowds and the staff are so fun. Hi from the crazy Canucks.
Had to call in due to its history, not sure if it's the best rooftop to check out as we decided to go for the Rock instead - but the view of the ESB from the Rock was cool around 6pm as ESB lit up as a light display on the top.
Visited 08-26-20. Simply put, a wonderful experience. Visited the main deck on 86th floor. Almost no one there due to COVID. Arrived as sun setting, watched the lights of NYC turn on, with our kids, as it became dark. Amazing. Facilities are immaculately clean. Staff are incredible, kind, courteous, gracious, respectful. Small museum is great experience for those with a technical interest in construction and engineering of the building. Kids loved the small King Kong exhibit. A bit expensive, but well worth it, it is a unique experience.
Too crowded, too many long lines, lots of stairs. Nice view, if able to see beyond the crowds of people nevertheless. There is an extra charge to go to floor 102.
We had 1 night in NYC so we did the most cliche thing we could think of and went to the Empire State Building We went at night so we could see the lights and it was a great choice! It is $32 per person and that only gets you to the 86th floor. You can go to the 102nd, but that costs more. Also be prepared to wait in line for about an hour or two. I highly recommend buying tix online ahead of time. That being said... the view (once you fight your way to the wall) was SPECTACULAR! I'm glad we did it!
We purchase AM -PM ticket, we want there early in the morning and late in the evening to avoid crowds, and was really the best experience, no lines no waiting. View from Empire State Building is beautiful but in the night is absolutely amazing! Staff was very friendly and helpful !
Whilst there were large crowds, the staff did their best to move people through. The views were incredible, it was a perfectly clear evening.
The sight of the city from the top of the building is beautiful. I have been to the Empire State building 2 times once in the night and in the morning, liked the night view better.The building gives the view of the city from all directions as it has windows all around it. Also, the view from the 86th floor and the top floor isn't much different, so we went till 86th floor only.
Stunning, a must see. So much better than I had hoped for.
First time in NY only for 9 hours but it was worthy theses city is amazing and the empire State building is monumental
I was here in September, so the lines were nonexistant which mad for a great experience. The views are incredible and the history is fun to read about. I loved the celebrity wall as well. The gift shop was disappointing; pretty much sells models of the building and not much else. The price seems a little crazy for an elevator ride with a photo opp, to me. I definitely don t think it would have been worth it if I had been stuck in long lines, but I m glad I went in the off season.
Basic entry of $37 was worth the fantastic view from the 86th floor outdoor observation deck. The $20 extra for the view from the tin can on 102nd was not. The view was no better.
There are better places to go for better views. Iconic building. Tourist attraction. Long lines.
The view from this building is breathtaking. The good thing is, the visits are open till 2am. So you can keep this building visit as one of your last for the day.
Wonderful building...the best vision of Manhattan...
